What will the weather be like at California Mid-State Fair? Here’s what to expect
The 2022 California Mid-State Fair starts on Wednesday — and it’s going to be a scorcher.
Meteorologist John Lindsey said fairgoers should anticipate triple-digit heat on opening day with temperatures climbing to 101 degrees Fahrenheit in Paso Robles.
The heat should level off slightly, reaching highs in the high 90s on Thursday and Friday before cooling off to the mid-90s over the weekend, he said.
While the days will be hot, the fairgrounds should cool down a bit by the time acts such as Journey, Santana and John Fogerty take the stage.
Temperatures should be a bit milder around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., when fair concerts are set start, Lindsey said. Overnight lows could reach the low to mid-60s.
“If you get those infamous southwesterly winds that develop in Paso Robles ... it’s always a good idea to bring a windbreaker, light jacket or pullover for the overnight hours,” Lindsey said.
The long-range forecast for the second week of the fair shows temperatures dropping below the low to mid-90s, Lindsey said. The average temperature for Paso Robles in July is 93 degrees, he said.
However, long-range forecasts are subject to change and should always be “taken worth a grain of salt,” he said.
Humidity predicted, but rain should stay at bay
While northern San Luis Obispo County is no stranger to summer heat, an influx of humidity will make the days feel hotter in Paso Robles this week.
“Sub-tropical moisture streaming northward will make it feel warmer and a little bit more sticky, but at this time we’re not expecting any rain or thunderstorms,” Lindsey said.
It’s not unheard of for sub-tropical moisture to bring humidity and sometimes even rain and thunderstorms to the Paso Robles area around the start of the air, Lindsey said.
In 2015, Tropical Storm Dolores brought 3.55 inches of rain to Paso Robles, delaying the start of the Mid-State Fair, Lindsey said.
Lindsey said he doesn’t anticipate weather quite as dramatic this year.
How to stay cool during California Mid-State Fair
Heat waves make people especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke, Lindsey said.
It is important for fairgoers to stay hydrated, slather on lots of sunscreen and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and hats, he said.
Fairgoers also should avoid overexertion, particularly during the peak heat of the day, he said.
“Keep a close eye on the ones around you to make sure they’re not suffering from any type of heat illness,” Lindsey said.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion typically include cold, clammy skin and a rapid heartbeat, and can elevate to heat stroke, he said.
Learn more about the symptoms of heat-related illness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.
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This story was originally published July 19, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
